The Fire and Life Safety Competency Recognition Program defines competencies, provides education and recognizes commitment and scope of practice among fire and life safety professionals in Oregon. The competency recognition program is a joint effort between the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Fire Marshals Association.

The competency recognition program focuses on fire and life safety training and technical certifications. These certifications include Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Fire Inspector Task Books, which are based on the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1031 Professional Standards for Fire Inspectors, as well as International Code Council (ICC) certifications.

There are currently four levels of competency recognition certificates available for fire service personnel responsible for enforcing the Fire Code in Oregon.

Level 1: Company Inspector. Performs basic fire safety inspections in one and two story Group B and Group M occupancies with no high-piled or rack storage.

In July of 2008, the OSFM completed a revision to Oregon Administrative Rule Chapter 837.039.0210. This revision establishes a standardization of certification and training requirements for fire officials responsible for administration enforcement of the fire code.

The purpose of the Fire and Life Safety Competency Recognition Advisory Committee (FLSCRAC) is to provide input to the Office of State Fire Marshal in the recognition process, review denied applications that are appealed, and determine whether alternative training meets the intent of the recognition requirements for effectively operating the Fire and Life Safety Competency Recognition program. The members receive no compensation for their work. Motivation for participating in the committee stems from the desire to shape the Fire and Life Safety Competency Recognition program in a fashion most beneficial to Oregon’s fire service and the communities they serve. The committee operates in an advisory capacity only. Suggestions or actions of this committee are intended to keep the State Fire Marshal informed as to the possible effects the recognition program will have on Oregon’s fire service.

The committee is comprised of exempt fire jurisdictions, non-exempt jurisdictions, construction trades, Oregon Fire Marshals Association, Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, Oregon Fire Chiefs Association representative to the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council, and the Office of State Fire Marshal. The committee meets at the OSFM quarterly, and these meetings are open to the public.